Kia India has ventured into the country’s premium three-row SUV segment with the launch of the Kia Sorento. Rolling out of Kia India’s Anantapur facility under a “Built in India, for India” banner, introductory ex-showroom prices start at INR 27.99 lakh for the diesel variant and INR 29.49 lakh for the hybrid model. Nationwide deliveries begin immediately from 4 September 2026.
The Sorento brings several industry and brand firsts to the market: it serves as Kia’s maiden hybrid vehicle in India, stands as the only model in its segment to pair an all-wheel-drive (AWD) layout with a hybrid powertrain, and hosts the global debut of the Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI.
Over four generations and 24 years, the Sorento nameplate has garnered more than 4.8 million owners across 132 countries. The India-spec version arrives with dedicated local tuning, distinctive exterior accents, and top-tier Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) dampening.
Road Presence and Segment-Leading Proportions
Underpinned by Kia’s global N3 platform, the new Sorento earns the title of the longest and widest entry in its category:
- Length: 4,815 mm
- Width: 1,900 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,815 mm
- Height: 1,785 mm (including roof rails)
The design features Kia’s Digital Tiger Face flanked by Crystal Cube LED projection headlamps, Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRLs) with progressive turn indicators, and matching Star Map LED tail lamps. Structural cues include front and rear skid plates finished in satin chrome, a satin chrome beltline, a hidden rear windscreen wiper nestled within the roof spoiler, and Black High Glossy bridge-type roof rails tailored for local driving.
Buyers can specify 18-inch Sporty Crystal Cut alloy wheels or larger 19-inch Premium Crystal Cut alternatives. Additionally, the brand is introducing an exclusive Black Line trim featuring blacked-out badging, darker fender garnish, a matching beltline, and darkened 19-inch alloys.
The SUV is available in eight monotone shades: Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Imperial Blue, Magma Red, Pewter Olive, Ivory Silver Gloss, Aurora Black Pearl, and matte Dark Gun Metal.
Performance: Hybrid AWD and Punchy Diesel
The Sorento’s Smartstream engine family offers a pair of distinct drivetrains:
- Smartstream 1.6 Turbo GDI Hybrid: Combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine (180 PS / 265 Nm) with an electric motor (65 PS / 264 Nm), paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
- Smartstream D2.2 Diesel: A 2.2-litre oil-burner producing 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque, matched to an 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (8DCT).
Both engine selections offer Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport). When paired with AWD, the drivetrain adds dedicated Terrain Modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud.
In-Cabin Tech: Global Premiere of Generative AI
The Sorento introduces an advanced Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) powered by NVIDIA hardware. Taking centre stage is the dual-screen Panoramic Curved Display, integrating two 31.24 cm (12.3-inch) panels for the digital instrument cluster and main infotainment system.
The headline interior feature is the Kia AI Assistant, which debuts globally on this India-spec model. Backed by real-time Generative AI, the system processes web searches, holds contextual multi-turn conversations, interprets natural language through a “Hey Kia” prompt, references the digital owner’s manual, and controls in-car hardware like windows and air-conditioning.
Additional cabin technologies include:
- Kia Connect 2.0 with more than 85 connected vehicle utilities
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates targeting up to 30 onboard control modules
- Digital Key 2.0 and Remote Vehicle Immobilisation
- Nine downloadable Disney, Marvel, and Pixar display themes across instrument and infotainment screens
- Access to the upcoming Kia Connect Store (launching December 2026) for Feature-on-Demand software upgrades
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Front Windshield Head-Up Display (HUD) and an Advanced Digital IRVM
- Smart Dashcam with front and rear recording cameras
- Integrated 220V household-style power outlet, wireless phone charging, and Type-C USB ports across all rows
- Shift-by-Wire rotary gear selector and steering paddle shifters
Interior colour themes include a two-tone Smoky Black & Grey finish or an upscale Black & Olive Brown layout reserved for upper trims, all illuminated by 64-colour ambient mood lighting underneath a dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof.
First-Class Seating and Passenger Comfort
The Sorento is sold in both 6-seater (second-row captain chairs) and 7-seater (60:40 split middle bench) forms. Both variants feature sliding, reclining, and walk-in capabilities, alongside a One-Touch seat adjustment mechanism equipped with 4-Way Power Boss Mode.
Segment-first second-row ventilated seats complement the ventilated front row, which features three-stage cooling. The driver gets an Ergo Motion seat with lumbar support, integrated memory positions, and a welcome retract system, alongside 10-way power adjustment for both driver and co-passenger.
Six-seater editions add wing-type head restraints to the captain chairs. The third row incorporates 50:50 split-folding backrests with dedicated air-conditioning vents, independent airflow controls, and integrated sunshade blinds on the rear passenger doors. Acoustic windscreen glass and heavy-duty door insulators keep road noise down.
Safety Architecture and Driver Assistance
Structural safety is anchored by the high-strength N3 platform’s multi-skeleton energy distribution design. Standard protection across every Sorento is governed by Kia’s Robust 26 Standard Safety Package, highlighted by:
- 7 standard airbags (expanding to 10 on higher trims with rear-side and front-centre airbags)
- All-wheel disc brakes with ABS, BAS, ESC, and Multi-Collision Brake (MCB)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and rollover sensor
- ISOFIX child seat anchorages, 3-point seatbelts with reminders for every passenger, and rear occupant alerts
- Speed-sensing and impact-sensing auto door locks
The model also features a comprehensive ADAS Level 2+ array boasting 30 individual autonomous capabilities:
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA & HDA 2)
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (for both curves and zones) and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, junction crossing, direct oncoming, lane-change oncoming, lane-change side, and evasive steering assist
- Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW) and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
- 360-degree camera, Blind View Monitor within the digital instrument panel, five radar units, and 12 parking sensors
Ex-Showroom Variant Pricing
The Kia Sorento lineup is spread across three core trim levels—HTE, HTK, and HTX—each accompanied by optional equipment packs and AWD layouts:
| Powertrain & Seating | HTE | HTE(O) | HTK | HTK(A) | HTK(A) Black Line | HTX – AWD | HTX Black Line – AWD | HTX(A) – AWD | HTX(A) Black Line – AWD |
| D2.2 8DCT (7-Seater) | ₹27,99,000 | ₹29,49,000 | ₹32,49,000 | ₹33,49,000 | ₹33,69,000 | ₹37,49,000 | ₹37,69,000 | ₹38,49,000 | ₹38,69,000 |
| D2.2 8DCT (6-Seater) | – | – | ₹32,69,000 | ₹33,69,000 | ₹33,89,000 | ₹37,69,000 | ₹37,89,000 | ₹38,69,000 | ₹38,89,000 |
| 1.6T GDI Hybrid 6AT (7-Seater) | ₹29,49,000 | ₹30,99,000 | ₹33,99,000 | ₹34,99,000 | ₹35,19,000 | ₹38,99,000 | ₹39,19,000 | ₹39,99,000 | ₹40,19,000 |
| 1.6T GDI Hybrid 6AT (6-Seater) | – | – | ₹34,19,000 |
